Epilepsy is a term that is used to encompass various types of seizure disorders that are believed to be caused by abnormal electrical signals in the brain. The standard therapies include anti-seizure pharmaceuticals, psychological counseling, and brain surgery.

Anti-epileptic medications are known for having horrific side effects, which include suicidal ideation, jaundice, kidney and liver failure, blurred vision, aplastic anemia (failure to produce blood cells), impaired cognitive function, bone loss, and more severe seizures. Doctors believe that these risks are acceptable. When the medical side effects manifest, doctors often fail to recognize that they were caused by the medication, and treat the side effects like spontaneously new disease conditions. The mantra is that anything and everything could be the cause -- except for the pharmaceuticals. This sometimes results in half a dozen absolutely unnecessary drugs being used, and worsening health problems from the untested combinations of pharmaceuticals. This is the standard of epileptic care.

There is no medical procedure which is more dangerous than brain surgery, yet this is seen as a viable option for some people who suffer from seizures. It is used by the medical establishment as a final shot (in the dark) at eliminating epilepsy.

Unless the seizures are triggered by stress, psychological therapy is not helpful for preventing seizures. However, seizures can be very traumatic for sufferers; especially when they include involuntary urination, so counseling can be helpful for some. We recommend seeking a Jungian Analytical Psychologist, when needed.

The Causes and Cures of Epilepsy

Epileptic seizures can be triggered by many additives that are in processed foods. Aspartame is known to induce seizures. Two main constituents of aspartame are phenylalanine and aspartic acid. Aspartic acid is an excitotoxin, which means that it over-excites nerves, causing them to literally burn-out and die. Phenylalanine is a known neurotoxin, so aspartame should be avoided by all individuals. Beware whenever you see "sugar-free" on a package.

Zinc deficiency has been shown to cause seizures. A study that was published in 1990, entitled, Effects of dietary zinc status on seizure susceptibility and hippocampal zinc content in the El (epilepsy) mouse, showed that zinc deficiency caused seizures, and this could be quickly corrected with adequate zinc supplementation. Many epilepsy sufferers have noted significant improvements in their condition with zinc intake.

Magnesium is a vital component of epilepsy recovery. Studies have verified a link between magnesium deficiency and epilepsy. Lots of people choose to supplement with magnesium using Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate). While this is an option, impurities may be present in Epsom salt, because it is not meant for oral consumption. Some companies are dedicated to selling completely pure, food-grade Epsom salt. We cannot attest to the integrity of any of these companies. If Epsom salt is used, then the ideal dosage is about 1/2 a teaspoon each morning. Otherwise, magnesium supplements are available from health food stores. Food sources of magnesium include almonds, cashews, peanuts, halibut fish, and spinach. Excessive supplementation with magnesium will cause other important minerals to flush out of the body to ironically cause even more nutritional deficiencies. So, the wisest approach is to fix the nutritional problems with diet, if possible.

The valerian herb is a very popular anti-spasmodic medication in Russia and Germany. In America, it is mostly known for its sedative effect, but it also has an anti-convulsant action that is beneficial for epileptic people. In addition, it has been shown to aid concentration. Low doses are recommended to avoid its sedative effect.

Scullcap and Indian tobacco (lobelia inflata) have both been traditionally used for convulsions, seizures, and tremors. Although there have been few official studies concerning their effectiveness. Scullcap is believed to be calming, while Indian tobacco is believed to relax the muscles. Indian tobacco is technically not a tobacco, even though it is smoked. It is actually known for reversing the lung damage that is caused by smoking real tobaccos.

Vitamin B-1 and vitamin E have shown very positive results in helping people who are suffering with epilepsy. Epilepsy has been linked to a vitamin B-1 deficiency.

Based on the aforementioned approaches, it is obvious that a good diet is essential for overcoming epilepsy. As always, we recommend avoidance of all "white" products, including white sugar, white flour, table salt, and white rice. It is especially important for an epileptic sufferer to avoid artificial sweeteners and additives. Drink spring water, and eat a balanced diet, which includes range-fed meats (preferably organic), whole grains, and organic fruits and vegetables. There are no healthy breads (not even whole wheat) in regular retailers anymore, so we recommend buying a bread maker.

People who suffer from this condition often benefit from a heavy metal cleanse, which can be purchased at health food stores or you can do it yourself using the approach in the Techniques For Cleansing The Body and Detoxifying article. Be sure to read the ingredients on these products before purchasing.

Radiation from sources such as the new generation of high-frequency televisions, energy efficient lights, microwaves, video game systems, radio towers, and cellular towers can trigger seizures.

Comments

My wife has been dealing with seizures for about 3 years now. she first started having them shortly after we both entering into active duty military. We've always suspected that her seizures were an adverse affect from immunizations at Basic Military Training. Our neurologist is supposed to be one of the best in the area, but he won't conduct any other tests other than the brain wave test. He also refuses to talk about chemical causes for seizures and things of the like. He's very pharmacratic and insists drugs are the only way to treat epilepsy. Are you aware of any doctors in the Monterey bay area that are willing to work us AND accept TRICARE (military health insurance) ?? I loves this article, by the way. It reinforces many of the things I've read concerning natural treatments for epilepsy. There's a wanderful book available at Borders Books called 'Treating Epilepsy Naturally', written by Patricia A. Murphy. I would also love to see much more written, by all concerned, concerning the nature of and causes of epilepsy.

Yes - All most of the Neurologists want to do is shove pills down your throat which as you all know is only a band aid. I have tried around 15 medications for my epilepsy with no cure or even partial hope just loads of side effects. Now I have ataxia (a balance , speech & motor skills problem) brought by being on Dilantin without the proper blood tests. So PLEASE always question if the medication the Dr. perscribed for you should have a blood level done for it.I have used magnesium but not zinc as yet but once I find out what dosage (approx.) the average person with epilepsy should try I will try it.

my first seizure was back in november 2004, it was due to stress of my mother being in hospital a month (shes ok now ) and mild drug use .I took phenytoin until oct 2005 the side affects were scary and unbearable :/ I was ok for years after this until august 2011 i had a close close call from smoking cannabis, i didnt have to take meds it took a few weeks to detox i was ok after this.. next close call was feb12,2012 from waking up with severe hangover and excessive smoking which has given me close calls in past Ive been sober 1 week the longest ive been without a drink in 4 years..

In the past i drank chamomille tea this works VERY good to feel alright if you feel you may have a seizure (difficult to speak , headache tired lips quiver if talking is how i feel if im having a close call) soak the tea bag in hot water 15-20 minutes its STRONG guaranteed to work most supermarkets have this for only $2 a box of 25 ,a few drops of lavendar oil on neck helps relax, vitamin e has helped me and taking 2 valerian pills at night at bedtime..

i never want to take phenytoin/dilantin again. LIFE WAS HELL during those long 11 months i took this i hope i can help someone who reads this about the chamomile tea god bless you folks,Justin

Being off meds, I am considered a "noncompliant patient." Whatever. I have really good control, vest ever. Everyone's combination is different...that's why I say get to know your seizures, triggers. I also don't expect perfection. My brain has a kink, I'll get hit every now and then.

Other things I do that I find helps -my- seizure control..I eat practically NO starches. No artificial sugars (of course). I can't say enough about exercise...it's an excellent stress outlet.

Seizures are caused by vaccines. Even animals such as horses and dogs have seizures after being vaccinated. But it's less taboo in the world of veterinary medicine, so you can more easily find people openly admitting that the animal vaccines cause seizures.

First off thanx to all this new founded information. Seccondly thank you all for your comments.My wife was diegnossed with epilepsy at the age of 11 yrs old. She goes through all the five stages of the grand mal seizure. Latly watching her slowly kill jer self as each episode gets worse and worse....from breaking her nose and bones to loosing babies. I have latly been researching trying to find any jelp and answers beside doctors that just want to keep shoving more keppera and lamental down her throte. I was quite shocked when doctors denied certin request of test and perhaps other alternatives to try to find a way to help her. I wish i could be at home more often to do so my self but curently workin 3 jobs to keep the house hold running i have no time. Im not no doctor but i know right from wrong and to keep upping doses of meds is outrageous....expesualy after last night when her heart stopped because her medication level was too high. Baffled by how to deal with this situation i cant wait for payday to make my way to a local health store in search for all these vitamins in hopes that this is the anwser to her problems. Ps. Has any one ever heard of "epi~still or triple complex calm tonic? Any reviews would be great for my wife and family in desperate need of help..

My son recently started having grand mal seizures at 13 years old. We were prescribed Keppra. We decided NOT to take the medicine and go with a Modified Atkins Diet that entails feeding our son 15 carbs a day with lots of healthy fat. He eats a lot of grass fed beef, free range eggs, organic low carb veggies and is doing fantastic! We could tell a difference in him by the 3rd day. This is not alternative or junk science. Dr. Kossoff at Johns Hopkins has been championing this diet for years and has been really successful. Doctors are really resistant to this therapy but it works!. Read "Grain Brain" for why it works. He also takes taurine which helped stop the night time teeth grinding, jerking, and unrest in his sleep (also known to stop seizures). And he takes curcumin as a brain protectant that raises seizures. Lots of studies on this to read. He also takes b vitamins, DMG, vit. e, pqq, ps, coconut oil, vit. c, d3 & k2. We also diligently avoid MSG, aspartame and other artificial sweeteners, harmful chemicals in shampoos, sunscreen, etc. If this sounds too hard, you may not feel it is a big enough crisis. But it gets easier and it is definitely worth it. He is seizure free and drug free!

Firstly I want to thank God because without him I would not be where I am at in my life. Secondly I want to thank Thomas and Sarah for selflessly doing what is right by giving all of us a resource which we can use to finally become as healthy as God intended.

I was first diagnosed with epilepsy at the young age of 16 years. Afterwards I was placed on dilantin and epival. At 18 I started smoking cannabis and in 2003 I started to use cannabis 3 times daily in conjunction with the meds and I was able to stay seizure free for 5 years. Due to a job change I was no longer at to use cannabis as frequently and the seizures returned.

This gave me my first taste of what life felt like without seizures and it felt great but I knew there had to be a natural cure out there. Because of my sinful nature at the time, this cure eluded me. It wasn't until this year that I seeked the Lord God, accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my Saviour, and asked to be saved and healed. Shortly afterward on May 24th was the first day in 16 years that I was free of medication and I have been seizure free and medication free ever since. Praise God for he truly is great!

I am 48 years old. I had my first grand mal seizure when I was 5 years old and was brought back to life with CPR. Was on Dilantin, Tegretol and all the drugs for years after that as well as EEGs, MRI's, all trial and error and trying to get levels right. I stopped taking the meds when I wanted to try have kids, my twin girls are 18 now and was off them till about 10 years ago when my dad got pancreatic cancer. He was very ill and I was very sleep deprived which always seems to trigger my seizures. He died within 3 months and I had a grand mal and ended up in hospital. We all know we know our bodies, minds and triggers better than most doctors. My neurologist told me it had nothing to do with lack of sleep and stress of my dad. What a load of rubbish and she wouldn't listen to me. So I found another neurologist who listened to me. He put me on Keppra, don't really like the drug as it does horrible things to ones mind and makes you feel like you are crazy. I went back and he told me to take Epilum at night to relax me as well. Up until a few weeks ago it was bearable, but my periods stopped last month and since then, I have been randomly falling down mainly at night if I get up to quick..nothing like what I used to have before, have auras where I talk like an alien or a complete blackout. Becoming more frequent. Getting me and my family worried now. I don't want to go back to neuro as I know they will want to give me more drugs. I have given up work completely, stopped exercising as I have no energy whatsoever from drugs and lack of sleep and hallucinate and have lots of nightmares. Not sure if to do with hormone changes due to menopause onset. Don't know what to do?? Has anyone had any problems similar to mine. Thanks Tina

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